Los Blancos 2-1 Stal Mielic

CPR Reserves won their third game in a row and with it started to show some signs that the squad possesses the steel [to match the already apparent finesse] to make this season another successful one. This game played against the golden backdrop of a Met Oval fall provided CPR's first real challengers in their recent winning streak.

With Yuval "Cloughie" Lion unable to make this one it was left to tough tackler player turned tough talking coach Joe "Souness" Sullivan to get Los Blancos up for the game. He was to provide the CPR boys with the sensible reminder that despite the mauling of the Croats the week before we would have to treat the game with caution and to play on a platform of good possession and sharp passing. Stal Mielic, were expected to provide a much needed reality check that the blend of youth and experience in the CPR squad would need if they are to develop the grit needed for a play-off run. Although Los Blancos started with a purpose they were met with a similar level of intent from the Stal Mielic team and it was clear that it would be game on this particular Sunday. From the start CPR couldn't quite find the fluency that that Sullivan was after. Toph was proving as critical to the team and as able in the tackle as ever but CPR struggled to hold possession long enough to get Danny "Figo" Riso on the ball to any great effect. Equally the early stages did not provide the chance for CPR to leverage new boy Shane "Becks" Lennon (though that containment would later be tested to find the Polish left back wanting). With play moving from end to end it took a dose of luck for the break but a greater dose of audacity for CPR to find the break-through. Having won a corner from a hallmark Famous Amos run the ball looked to have been cleared. However from the cross back into the box the Famous was the only one to react while all around remained rooted. The big man jumped up with his back to goal and executed an outrageous back heel flick from 10 yards that left the keeper and all defenders around him with no chance whatsoever.

That goal, which came out of nowhere, understandably took the wind out of Mielic's proverbial sail and CPR would be on the ascendancy for much of the rest of the match. In particular Danny started to get a foot on the ball to make things tick and Shane skinned his marker so many times that at the end of the game he was permitted to take him home and put him on his mantelpiece. What initially looked to be the decisive goal was again scored by the Famous one. From some good movement Danny slid him through. After having cast off his marker Amos showed great composure to slot the ball past the Stal Mielic keeper.

In the closing stages Los Blancos put themselves under some unnecessary pressure. Stal Mielic scored a sloppy goal from a break in the box after a corner that seemed to rattle the home team. As a result the Whites closed out the game with a degree of panic greater than should have been warranted based upon their overall ability to control the game as they did for much of the 90.  Nonetheless job done and a good result in the bank against a team that provided a good test.

A "B" grade pass in Los Blancos first test of the new winning set up. While this victory was very much a team effort, particularly notable performances by the entire back four. Rob and Jason are starting to look to have the right blend of tenacity and composure. Dan Cohen tackled like a warrior poet and Joakim played with his usual tough no nonsense style. The best dressed man at Central Bar had a great game on the right wing and Amos again showed that he has the spark to find a goal out of nowhere. Special mention also to John The Goalie for stepping in when needed and delivering a great performance that also included a wonder save at 0-0 to keep us in the game.

After match comments from CPR striker Muzz: "I can't believe that sonofa David Beckham copied my beard"

After match comments from CPR right midfielder Shane Lennon: "Muzz, I'm thinking of growing a beard, do you think it would suit me?"

Comments from CPR RB Dan Cohen: "Can't come for a pint, I'm married now and had one this month already"

Line up: Jon (GK), Dan Cohen (RB), Rob (CB), Jason (CB), Joakim (LB), Becks (RM), Toph (CM), Danny (CM), Jules (LM), Famous Amos (F), Muzz (F) Subs all used: Jacopo (M), Brett (utility man), Bill (M), Javier (M)